I don’t understand the whole Spandex thing amongst bikers. If a “friendly” ride is intense enough to require a team-issue onesie, then it might be time to find new riding partners. The form-fitting phenomenon is especially confusing when companies like Pearl Izumi make such great riding shorts like the Launch. Its stretchy and breathable fabric is insanely comfortable, while zip-up thigh vents offer extra airflow to your important bits. The padded inner chamois immensely helps your backside on longer rides. Plus, it doesn’t look out of place when your ride ends at a barstool. The same cannot be said for unitards, no matter how fast they make you climb. [$125, PearlIzumi.com] — Kevin Luby, senior editor